Downtown in Fantasyland

[Sylvan Ravenhead]

Sylvan carefully assessed his companions reaction and tucked it away fr further reference. Despite the fact that both of them kicked off right from the start, the wolf still knew not a thing about humans, their preferences, moral standing, thoughts on the world surrounding them and so on. It was hard to predict behavior of someone you don't have the privilege of knowing for at least several months, provided that you you share conversations pertaining to personal issues and not simply something bounding, like work or same interest. In any case, it seemed like Hunter was, at least at some point, reluctant of the idea, but was not against keeping an open mind due to their peculiar situation. That was more than enough for the wolf. Despite the fact that he was sure of his abilities to survive in the wilderness, provided there was enough livestock to hunt in these woods, the same might not have been the same for Hunter. The structure of the human's teeth supposed he was more of herbivorous type of creature. Though he did have smallish fangs... but way to little to suggest his diet was mostly meat. Anyways, that would have to wait for a more opportune time and place for him to research. Since this world seemed rather densely populated with humans , there was bound to be some sort of a storage for knowledge and history. All in due time.
Speaking of due time. Looks like he would first need to learn how to read. They somehow made to a T-section of a road with no visual guide as to where they should go, aside from a wooden sign. Which really begged the question of how were they able to understand each other? Was it the same language that was spoken in Lupus Empire and Hunter's homeland? Or was it once again Omni's doing? So many question and not a single answer. Of course, one could speculate and try to reason their situation, but Sylvan doubted any of the supposed answers they might come up with would significantly influence their situation or prove to be the true one. These questions were supposed to be answered either through empirical experiment or by the one who made this place. Maybe once they stopped, somewhere safe, they could compare the written forms of their respective languages. As for the one used on the sign, it was unfamiliar to the wolf, which he confessed to his human companion. In the end it was a simple choice: either left or right. Subconsciously, both of them were sure about the right way. Which is why they ended up going right without much discussion.
But the forest they ended up almost going into... didn't sit right with the wolf. He grew up in a world where forests were aplenty, but they never were this foreboding and dark in the middle of the day of what looked like... spring? Another question to add to the ever growing list of things to be looked up would be the seasons of this world. Back to the topic, the feeling this forest gave off was not something he was used to. Like being watched from all sides and this made his hackles stand. The wolf voiced his concern to Hunter, who suggested turning around and trying out another road. But before they could continue with the plan, they encountered another traveler.

---

The creature they encountered was probably something neither he, nor Hunter have met before, judging by the reaction of the latter. The greenskin was standing at six feet seven inches, with shoulders almost twice as broad as his own. Massive head, two large tusks, coming from the lower jaw and giving the creature a fierce expression. They (for the wolf did not know the sex of this specimen without firstly consulting someone knowledgeable) were wearing a simple, but proved to be efficient in many a battle, light armor with reinforced shoulder pads. Which was an interesting thing, since they usually restricted ones movements. Probably the creature was not expecting to be fighting anyone taller or was simply much more comfortable with having a smaller range of movement in exchange for additional protection of its upper torso and neck. Or it was just a scare tactics, to deter simpleminded idiots, who usually made up the larger part of any bandit crew. In any case, the axe resting near the exit, just a second away from the greenskin's grasp, was a much bigger giveaway of the fact, that this specimen was no pushover. The axe's smile was in the form of a crescent moon, its handle of some hard wood draped in leather and cloth. And while the smile was freshly sharpened and oiled, the handle told a story of many a use. Whoever this creature was, it was best not to trifle with it.
At first, Sylvan fully expected his companion to lead the conversation, but then he was asked to interfere. There was probably nothing strange about it. Wolf's world, judging by the small tale Hunter shared of his life, was much less prone to being apprehensive of new lifeforms. Still, the black wolf had to quickly redirect his thinking from assessing the newcomer not as a threat but a possible source of information. Once again, Sylvan wished he had taken some time to rearrange himself before setting out. His mind right now was still reeling from all the psychological pressure of killing other Elaimet, battle state and also his own death. But by the looks of it, the sun would not be setting for a bit, and there really was no need to waste time. Well, he needed to get a grip of himself and push all those worthless feelings back into their little black pit of his mind once more.
Taking a small step forth, indicating that he would be the one to do the talking, while not exactly shutting out Hunter away from the conversation or diminishing him (at least according to wolf culture, and he hoped it would not be misinterpreted by neither his companion, nor the greenskin in front of them), Sylvan made his entrance.
- Greeted be once more. We are travelers seeking shelter and provision, and do not wish to find or cause trouble. - The wolf's speech was a bit more complicated when he was apprehensive, almost relapsing back to the old-speak of his people. - What would your name be? - he addressed the stranger.
- I'm Kargh, orc if ya zee. Ya worgen, o' zom'thin'? Ah can zee he be humie ove' zer'. Nevahzseen yah kind ove' hea'. - The greenskin's speech was excruciatingly difficult to understand, but the wolf managed. Apparently, the orc Kargh, as the creature named itself, was a male (unless this race's females spoke in a low guttural voice), and lacking some of his teeth. Cataloguing those details, Sylvan hastened to correct any misconceptions before the creature could stick to them.
- I am a wolf, not a worgen. I hail from another world, just as my companion. This is why... - but he was never allowed to finish.
- Aha, ye be primez zen, boyz. Zat be good for ole Kargh. Ye can fix hiz weaponz problemz. - Somehow, the orc's expression changed from guarded and warily aggressive, to enthusiastic and welcoming in a heartbeat. - Ye zaid ye be looking fe' a stay. I can give ya zome advize, and share a map, if ye want. Or, wez could go ta Minaz'Tirit togeza. I'm heading zat way myzelf. No betta place fer ye kind zen zee capital of Camelot. No humie triez to kick an orc or a wolf or a mage outa zere. Acceptin' of uz non-humiez and freekz zey are. Ozer placez be not so welcoming, if ye know wha' I'm talkin' abou't. O'cource if ye can help me out fi'zt. - the orc conversationally finished.
Sylvan attentively listened to what the strange greenskin was saying. - Well, I don't actually mind helping out a fellow warrior with a weaponm though you will have to be a bit more specific about that part. As for where to go... - the wolf threw a glance at Hunter, - me and my companion will be willing to look at your map and hear a bit more on what you have to say of this land and its people before deciding. - Seeing the human's nod, Sylvan addressed the orc. - What exactly do you need help with?
While the wolf and orc were distracted by their conversation about a supply of weaponry that might be good to have, a much smaller version of Kargh, a child apparently, left the carriage. Its attention focused quickly on the Hunter. - Are you a mage too? - An exited orc's girly voice could be heard, probably, a mile away, but was blocked out by a wolf in the process of summoning, and a much more happier looking Kargh, leaving poor human to his own devices and the mercy of a little orc child.